Podcast Culture
If podcasts are an important part of your audio world then a Yoto Player is likely to be the perfect companion. Currently, it’s the leading children’s audio player that allows you to add RSS feeds to access podcasts of interest. It’s also an area that Yoto is passionate about developing and there are lots of podcasts pre-loaded into the app for you to access. In this post I’ll tell you more about podcasts, how to make them available on your Yoto player and the latest Yoto original release: The Download!
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What is a Podcast?
Have you ever wondered what a podcast actually is? In simple terms, a podcast is like a radio show you can listen to anytime, anywhere – on your phone, tablet, or through a speaker such as the Yoto Player.
Podcasts first appeared in the early 2000s when technology made it possible to easily share audio episodes online. Since then, they’ve grown hugely in popularity, with shows now covering every topic you can imagine – from science and storytelling to news and music.
I came to podcast rather late after my daughter was born. Those late nights, being conscious of reducing screen time but also wanting to feel connected with the outside world and continue my passion for learning meant podcasts have become a firm feature in my life. I’m so grateful a friend introduced me to them. I also bought myself a Yoto Mini to play my podcasts on!
A great question to ask friends and family is – what podcast are you enjoying right now? You’ll often find a great recommended gem you didn’t know about. More people listen to podcasts than I ever thought. There’s lots of talk right now about ‘Personal Curriculums’ – learning that’s self directed and not from an educational institution. Podcasts are a great way to create your own curriculum. If you’re looking for politics and sport recommendations for adults my other half will have you covered!
Podcasts for Children
Increasingly now, there are so many more podcasts becoming available for children. As with anything our children come into contact with I feel it’s very important to ‘vet’ a podcast before letting my daughter listen. I always listen to a podcast first or will listen to it together if it’s a podcast series we’ve listened to before.
Yoto Original Podcast – The Download
If you’ve got a curious 8–12 year old at home, there’s a brand-new podcast you’ll want to add to your family’s playlist. The Download, from award-winning children’s audio platform Yoto, has just launched. It’s already shaping up to be a brilliant mix of stories, big ideas, and fun learning.
There’s currently three episodes ready to listen to with six more promised for 2026.
Hosted by Jake Harris and Pema Monaghan (the much-loved voices behind Yoto Daily), this new show has been designed especially for older kids who are ready to dive deeper into fascinating themes. Think of it as an audio magazine – packed with interesting perspectives, original fiction, and thought-provoking questions that connect learning with everyday life.
What Makes The Download Special?
Firstly, it’s Yoto content so you know the quality is going to be wholesome and geared towards the target audience.
Each episode is split into three unique segments:
- Tell Me More! – Pema meets people doing fascinating things, encouraging kids to ask questions and explore new ideas.
- Yoto Matters – Jake reflects on each theme through a wellness and creativity lens, helping kids think about how ideas connect to their own lives.
- The Teatimers – An original fiction series where three friends meet in a magical tea shop to solve problems together.
This balance of real-world knowledge, personal reflection, and imaginative storytelling makes The Download both fun and meaningful. This is the perfect podcast for kids who are beginning to think more critically about the world around them.
What Topics Are Covered?
The first three episodes are already live, with themes that spark curiosity and conversation:
Episode 1
Creativity and Tech – Breaking down what AI is, with insights from a game designer, an informatics professor, and the creator of Stardew Valley.
Episode 2
Repair and Maintenance – From a sock repair art exhibition to engineers fixing toys to reduce e-waste.
Episode 3
Habitats – A journey to Walthamstow Wetlands to explore bird migration and the environments we call home.
Future episodes will continue to tackle big ideas in a digestible format, inspiring curiosity and supporting kids’ learning in a natural, engaging way. There’s a promise of six more coming in 2026.
Why Your Family Will Love It
📚 Encourages reading comprehension and critical thinking
🌍 Explores diverse topics from technology to nature
🎧 Designed for kids aged 8–12, but enjoyable for the whole family
💡 Sparks conversations and curiosity well beyond listening time
“There are interesting stories everywhere we look, and our hope is that the show fuels endless conversations about the world around us.”
Pema Monaghan
How to Listen on Yoto Players
If your child loves using their Yoto Player or Yoto Mini, you can play The Download directly through the Yoto App. Not sure how to find or play podcasts on Yoto? Follow the directions below to add The Download from the Yoto App or check out this blog post to find out how to access any podcast: Yoto Player and Yoto Mini Podcasts – How to Find and Play Podcasts on Your Yoto.
How to Find on Yoto App
If you have the Yoto app then follow the steps below to find The Download:
- Open the Yoto App
- Click on the fourth icon along on the bottom of your screen ‘Discover’ with a compass icon
- You will then see four boxes. Click on the third one down ‘Podcast for kids’ – it’s the light blue one
- Currently, you can find it in the ‘Featured’ – second column, third one down. Alternatively use the magnifying glass search section and enter ‘dow’ and it will appear.
- You can then play direct from the app on your device or play through your Yoto Player or you can assign it to a card.
Where to Buy Yoto Players and Yoto discount codes
I frequently (several times a week) update offers – click on the button below to head to the dedicated page. You will also find year-round discount codes.
Last Chance Yoto Section – Yoto Discounted Card Deals
If the page defaults to the full library then click on the top right ‘clearance’ block.
Listen to The Download
The first three episodes of The Download are available now on:
- Yoto App
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
With six more episodes arriving in 2026, this is the perfect time to get listening and see where curiosity takes you.
Whether your child is into tech, nature, or simply loves discovering new things, The Download is a wonderful way to make learning exciting. Pop it on during car rides, after school, or even as a family listen at the weekend.
Yoto are continually showing their dedication to the podcast culture by adding more and more podcasts that you can quickly add using the Yoto App. Each month more podcasts are added. You can find more podcast recommendations here.